Is Duolingo cheaper and easier than IELTS?
Yes, the Duolingo English Test costs about USD 70, roughly a quarter of the USD 245 to 255 IELTS charges, and most test takers find it easier since it is shorter and computer-adaptive. However, Duolingo is not accepted for UK or Australian immigration purposes, so check your visa requirements first.
Yes, Duolingo is both cheaper and generally easier than IELTS. You will pay around USD 70 for Duolingo against USD 245 to 255 for IELTS, and you can finish Duolingo from home in about an hour instead of sitting through a nearly three-hour exam at a test centre.
Cost and Format Comparison
| Feature | Duolingo English Test | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | About USD 70 | USD 245 to 255 |
| Duration | About 1 hour | About 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Location | Anywhere, online from home | Designated test centre |
| Results | Within 48 hours | 3 to 13 days |
| Global acceptance | 5,000+ universities | 12,000+ organizations and immigration bodies |
Why the Catch Matters More Than the Savings
- Duolingo's adaptive format adjusts question difficulty as you go, which keeps it from feeling overwhelming.
- It skips the long essays and passages that make IELTS Writing and Reading tough for many candidates.
- Despite the savings, Duolingo is not accepted for UK or Australian immigration purposes, so it cannot replace IELTS for most visa applications.
- Some top-tier universities and highly competitive programs still insist on IELTS or TOEFL regardless of Duolingo's growing acceptance.
My Advice
Do not choose Duolingo purely to save money before checking your specific visa and university requirements. If you need the score for immigration to the UK or Australia, book IELTS directly, since a cheaper Duolingo score you cannot actually use will cost you far more time than the money it saved.
IELTS, PTE or Duolingo: which should you take?
Find out which test your universities accept, and which is easiest for you.
More IELTS questions
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